V. I.

Lenin

313

To:   THE PETROGRAD ORGANISATIONS

I have had a detailed report from Vatsetis and the Chief
of Staff. The conclusion is a sad one. Strenuous efforts are
needed. The present enthusiasm must not be allowed to subside , but must be sustained for at least 2 months and
still further intensified. Otherwise we shall not finish the
war, and finished it must be at all costs , as signs of
weariness among the masses (100,000 deserters) are becoming
more frequent.

I have discussed the following measures with Trotsky:

1) Some 3,000 Petrograd workers, unfit for war and
unarmed, to be sent to the Don. Purpose—to set things going, to weaken the Cossacks, demoralise them from within, settle among them , set up groups in the villages, etc.

2) All means and resources to be used more and more to
get ready a flotilla for the Volga. Especially repairs.

3) Ditto as regards artillery (without taking away from
the Karelian line). It is necessary again and again to check
with the army men whether it is possible to help the east
with artillery.

4) Rifles to be collected, especially broken ones (in Tula
800 a day can be repaired; work is lacking ).

5) Mobilisation of Petrograd workers to be continued
both for the Ukraine and for the Don.

I received a telegram today from Zinoviev on the stoppage of several works, big ones, in Petrograd, owing to
oil shortage. I could not get Krasin on the phone. When
I do I shall tell him. But I don’t think any oil is or will
be available. I advise moving every one of these workers
to the Ukraine, to the Don, to the east, for 3 months.
It is stupid to starve, to perish in Petrograd, when it is
possible to win grain and coal.

6) Mobilisation of Party functionaries to be continued,
too, especially for places close to the front line.

It is necessary again and again “to rob Petrograd”, that is, to take people from it, otherwise neither Petrograd
nor Russia can be saved.

Various branches of administration and of cultural and educational work in Petrograd can and should be weakened tenfold for 3 months.

We shall then save both Russia and Petrograd.

We have no other workers to equal the Petrograders.

Greetings, Lenin